Wind Resistance

Glass Block Technology has tested glass blocks & the Rods & Mortar installation method to CWCT standards (Centre for Window Cladding Technology). 

The panel test sequence was in accordance with CWCT test methods for building envelopes - Dec 2005, sections 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 & 15 & BS 8200: 1985, to determine the weather tightness of the sample with respect to air leakage, water penetration, wind and impact resistance. 

The test sample successfully passed all of the above CWCT test requirements and all tests are either equal to or in excess of the requirements for current BS EN Standards for Curtain Walling

Wind Resistance – Serviceability

Three (3) preparatory pulses of 700 (50% of design wind load) positive pressure were applied to the test sample. Upon returning to 0 Pa, any opening parts of the test specimen were opened and closed five (5) times, secured in the closed position and finally sealed with tape. All deflection sensors were then zeroed.

The sample was then subjected to positive pressure stages of 350, 700, 1050, 1400 Pa (25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of design wind load) and held at each step for 15 seconds (± 5 secs). The deformation status of the sample was recorded at each step at characteristic points as stated in the standard, following which the pressure was reduced to 0 Pa and any residual deformations recorded within 1 hour of the test.

The above test sequence was then repeated, including the preparation pulses, at a negative pressure differential.  All sensors other than those used for recording the movement of framing members adjacent to their fixings to building structure were zeroed following preparation pulses.

Following each of the above tests, the sample was inspected for permanent deformation or damage.

Wind Resistance – Safety

Three preparatory positive air pressure pulses of 700 (50% of design wind load) positive pressure were applied to the test sample, and the deflection sensors were zeroed. 

The sample was subjected to a positive pressure pulse of 2100 pa (1400 Pa x 150%). The pressure was applied as rapidly as possible but in not less than 1 second and was maintained for 15 seconds (± 5 secs). 

Following this pressure pulse and upon returning to zero (0) pressure, residual deformations were recorded and any change in the condition of the specimen was noted.

After the above sequence, a visual inspection was conducted, any moving parts were operated and any damage or functional defects noted.

The above test sequence was then repeated, including the preparation pulses, with negative pressure. The deflection sensors were zeroed following the preparation pulses. Following each of the above tests, the sample was inspected for any permanent deformation or damage.

	Peak Test Pressure	Result	Date of test	Classification
Test 4 – Wind Resistance (Serviceability)	1400 Pa	Pass	07/03/11	-
Test 10 – Wind Resistance (Safety)	2100 Pa	Pass	07/03/11	-

Note1 : There is no classification or performance requirement for exfiltration testing in CWCT Standard for Systemised Building Envelopes – Section 5.

The panel was tested using Rods & Mortar accessories:

Sample Size:  5610mm wide x 2610mm high – made up of 190mm x 190mm Glass blocks (28 blocks wide by 13 blocks high)

Jointing Material:  10mm mortar joints using Colmef Vetromix mortar.

Reinforcement:  2 x 5mm stainless steel reinforcement rods per horizontal joint & 1 x 5mm stainless steel reinforcement rods per vertical joint.

Perimeter Seals: 10mm Expansion joint around perimeter. Caulked over with Glass Block Technology’s Rods & Mortar silicon sealant.